The Second Reformation

I just finished reading The Second Reformation by William A. Beckham. This is an older book that has been sitting on my shelf for a number of years (since the late 90s when we first started doing cell/simple church). It primarily focuses on the practical mechanics of what the author terms the "Two-Winged Church". One that includes both corporate large-gathering worship and smaller cell units.

The book appears to be aimed toward leadership staff of traditional churches who are attempting to transition their churches into cell groups. As a result there was much of it I didn't find to be applicable to our situation here in Parachute. However the author does discuss the requirements for founding a cell/house church based upon Christ's model: An initiating set of 2-3 people, a core group of 12 people, a critical mass of 120, and from there a fulfillment of vision including thousands.

Organic Church

I just finished Organic Church by Neil Cole. It describes what he believes to be the basis behind spontaneous church multiplication. Neil is one of the 'leaders' of Awakening Chapels in Los Angeles, a network of house churches that have exploded in the past few years.

One of the most interesting things I took away from this book was the concept of DNA. According to Neil, the body of Christ (both individually and as a whole) must possess these three things in order to multiply effectively:

D - Divine Truth
N - Nurturing Relationships
A - Apostolic Mission

We can't compromise God's truth for the sake of reaching new converts. After all, it is the truth that sets us free (John 8:32). However, the truth without love is near worthless* (1 Cor. 13). We must develop meaningful relationships with others (both Christians and non-Christians). It is only within the context of these relationships that the life-changing power of God's truth can be seen clearly...changing lives and causing spiritual growth. Finally, we must have the mission to 'go', leaving our comfort zone and carrying the truth to those in need.

This book also contains a number of stories of ordinary people who were willing to grant God control of their lives and as a result reached their family and friends for Christ. In my opinion it is worth reading.



* God's word is potent no matter how or where it is used, and God can certainly work miracles in any situation. However, having the truth of God unloving thrust upon them is often one of the main reasons the unsaved want nothing to do with Christianity.